The fourth annual ceremony will also honor Cyndi Lauper and Will and Grace creators Max Mautchnick and David Kohan.

Alvin Ailey
Normand Maxon

Logo’s fourth annual Trailblazer Honors will pay tribute to the late choreographer and activist Alvin Ailey. The event, which will also present honors to Tony winner Cyndi Lauper and Will & Grace creators Max Mautchnick and David Kohan, will air on the network June 23.

CNN Tonight host Don Lemon and Empire’s Jussie Smollett will present the honor to Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Artistic Director Robert Battle. The ceremony will also feature an appearance by Artistic Director Emerita Judith Jamison and a tribute performance.

“I’m proud and grateful that Alvin Ailey will be celebrated during this year’s 'Trailblazer Honors',” said Battle in a statement. “His pioneering and inclusive legacy continues to break down walls, build bridges and embrace all people. As one of the many people impacted by his genius and his generous vision, I’m honored to accept this meaningful award on his behalf.”

Ailey’s vision blended genre—including modern, ballet, jazz, and techniques of various African cultures—to explore the plight of the marginalized both onstage and off. Ailey insisted on creating a multi-racial company, which became an inclusive space for dancers and choreographers of color and who were part of the LGBTQ community. His myriad accolades include the NAACP’s Spingarn Award, a Kennedy Center Honor, and a posthumous Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama.

Logo’s Trailblazer Honors celebrates leaders at the forefront of LGBTQ equality. Past honorees include Tony winner Harvey Fierstein, Edie Windsor and Roberta Kaplan, and the cast of Netflix’s Orange is the New Black.

In 1995, the Six Degrees of Separation actor made his Broadway debut in Terrence McNally’s Love! Valour! Compassion! and shared how he felt playing one of the gay “old marrieds” in this milestone play.